SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 2 DeNA 3-4 Softbank Hawks = 10th extra inning = (25th, Yokohama)

I was shown the terror of a single home run in a short series and the depth of the Softbank Hawks' roster. Kawamura, who entered as a pinch runner and hit the game-winning solo home run in the 10th extra inning, was mainly used for defense reinforcement and pinch running during the season. It is a terrifyingly powerful force when a hitter capable of blasting one into the center field screen on such a big stage is content with that role. Ogata, who started for DeNA, and Inoue Tomo, who had two doble in the starting line-up, were originally players who were buried within The Hawks.

When Tsutsugo hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, considering DeNA's momentum since the Climax Series, the game would normally have been over. However, Yamakawa, a four-time Home Run king and last year's Japan Series MVP, was still on the bench. For his game-tying solo shot with one out in the ninth, he must have been timing his swing for a fastball, but he brilliantly sent a high, hanging breaking ball into the left-field stands through pure physical reaction.

In this game, the team scored four runs through three solo home runs, including Masaki's opening solo shot in the third inning, and Shoji's timely doble in the fourth. For the second consecutive game, the cleanup trio of Kondo and Kurihara—the 100-RBI duo—along with fifth-place hitter Yanagita, failed to record an RBI. Even so, the fact that they continue to win consecutive games shows the team strength that built up a surplus of 42 wins during the season.

Two years ago, they suffered a shocking four-game losing streak after winning the first two games in Yokohama. Having had that bitter experience, they are likely to settle the matter all at once at their home stadium this time without letting their guard down. (Sports Hochi Critic, Masayuki Kakefu)